10 Memoirs Every Girl Boss Needs on Her Desk

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Even the strongest of women hit roadblocks in life sometimes but this list of memoirs is sure to inspire and motivate all girl bosses out there to remind themselves of their inner badass.

Love Warrior by Glennon Doyle

This #1 New York Times Bestseller, now in paperback, will remind you of your inner warrior. If you are looking for a book to kickstart your fall reading, Love Warrior is the perfect place to start. This memoir about Doyle’s struggle with love, in its many forms, will teach women of all ages something about themselves.

The Not So Subtle Art of Being A Fat Girl: Loving the Skin You’re In by Tess Holliday

No matter your size, shape, or color, Tess Holliday’s memoir is an ode to any woman who has ever felt uncomfortable in her own skin. From the voice of a woman who had once been abused and bullied for her appearance, this story of success is something every girl boss needs during times of self-reflection. Body positivity oozes from every page of this memoir.

Real American: A Memoir by Julie Lythcott-Haims

Best-selling author of How to Raise An Adult recollects her life growing up as a biracial black woman in America in this memoir about self-acceptance and healing. This books gives fresh insight into the journey of a real American woman and the brave life she inspires all girl bosses to lead.

Reset: My Fight for Inclusion and Lasting Change by Ellen Pao

Undoubtedly a girl boss, Ellen Pao’s memoir touches on what it’s like to be a woman of color in the workplace. Instead of abiding by the system in place, she became CEO of Reddit and has taken huge strides in changing the status quo. This memoir empowers women struggling to have their voice heard in and beyond the confines of Silicon Valley.

A Beautiful Work In Progress by Mirna Valerio

All girl bosses trying to conquer the task of the morning run will find inspiration in Valerio’s tale of becoming a successful athlete despite stereotypes placed upon her. This prejudice-busting story about loving your body, training, and self-love will tempt you to leave your desk and hit the ground running, literally.

It’s Messy: On Boys, Boobs, and Badass Women by Amanda de Cadenet

Being a girl boss isn’t easy and no one knows that better than Amanda de Cadenet. In her newest book, she explores her experiences of child stardom, becoming a juvie inmate, mother, wife, and divorcee all before turning 19. This memoir is perfect for any girl boss who finds obstacles standing in the way of their goals.

Permission to Screw Up: How I Learned by Doing (Almost) Everything Wrong by Kristen Hadeed

Whether you are a born leader or still learning from your mistakes, this memoir will be the inspiration you need to not worry about screwing up. By unintentionally starting a company in college, Hadeed can successfully say she did almost everything wrong but has come to learn from her many hiccups. Now, as a sought-after CEO, every girl boss can learn a thing or two from this read.

You Play the Girl: On Playboy Bunnies, Stepford Wives, Trainwrecks, & Other Mixed Messages by Carina Chocano

This combination of memoir and commentary about “the girl” we see on the covers of magazines, on TV, and in the movies will make a great addition to your reading list this fall. Chocano’s take on the reality of women in pop culture and how to grow up without a distorted view of real women is refreshing and will inspire you long after the first read.

Talking as Fast as I Can: From Gilmore Girls to Gilmore Girls (and Everything in Between) by Lauren Graham

What girl boss doesn’t want to sit down with Lorelai Gilmore and chat about life, love, and careers? In this paperback release, Graham digs into what it’s like being a woman in Hollywood, her successes, failures, and the lessons she has learned along the way. This book is the perfect read for a girl’s night in.

Rabbit: The Autobiography of Ms. Pat by Patricia Williams

To say Patricia Williams is the ultimate girl boss is a gross understatement. As a mother of two by 15, growing up in Atlanta at the height of the crack epidemic was not easy but this influential heroine was determined to make a better life for her children. Unexpectedly filled with humor, this autobiography is one that proves your future is not predestined.

Ms. Career Girl

Ms. Career Girl was started in 2008 to help ambitious young professional women figure out who they are, what they want and how to get it.